The Home Builders Institute has named a new president and CEO, with the announcement that John A. Courson will take over leadership of the non-profit organization. Capitalizing on his extensive industry experience, HBI will utilize Courson to target new revenue opportunities and program development.

Previously the president and CEO for the Mortgage Bankers Association from 2008 through this year, Courson is recognized as a housing industry spokesperson and government affairs expert. He will take over as head of HBI from Frederick Humphreys, who is retiring at the end of 2011 after serving the group for 11 years.

HBI is tapping Courson to identify new streams of revenue, create new programming, and boost the organization’s core competencies including training, mentoring, curriculum development, and job placement services. Courson is well prepared for the job thanks to his long history of leadership positions throughout the mortgage and real estate industries.

Courson’s prior roles have encompassed acting as the MBA’s chairman in 2003; performing as president for the MBA’s California, Dallas, and Michigan branches; and heading up three different mortgage companies including Central Pacific Mortgage Company, Fundamental Mortgage Corp., and Westwood Mortgage Corp. He has also been the chairman of the California Housing Finance Agency, as well as a participant in international housing initiatives led by the White House and the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, spoke out about Courson’s appointment, saying, “John Courson is the right man for the job. He’s a recognized and respected force in the building industry who has the talent and energy required to bring HBI to the next level of success. These characteristics are especially important at a time when major changes are occurring in the marketplace with regard to the availability of government funding opportunities and other evolving conditions.”

Commenting on his acceptance of the position with HBI, Courson noted, “I look forward to the opportunity to help HBI successfully meet the challenges that it faces in the current and future marketplace. I can’t think of a more important goal than ensuring that this highly respected organization continues to thrive and grow while preparing tomorrow’s workforce to meet the needs of an increasingly sophisticated and quality-driven home building industry.”

HBI is an affiliate of the NAHB, and the organization operates as the workforce development arm of the NAHB. Serving the real estate community for more than 40 years, HBI prepares youth and adults for careers in residential construction through diverse training and resource initiatives.